• Time:Mar 7 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, 2026
• Location:BGSU Firelands Cedar Point Conference Center, University Drive, Huron, OH 44839 | Get Directions
• Event Organizer:Tory Gabriel | Contact Host
• Event Category:Conferences | Show Similar
• Add Event:Add to my calendar

Ohio Sea Grant’s Charter Captains Conference helps prepare Lake Erie fishing charter boat captains for the upcoming season by providing updates about Lake Erie’s 2026 fishing outlook, environmental conditions, licensing, regulations and business topics. The event is open to the public, but is geared toward charter captains and their businesses. First mates, other crew members, and those interested in becoming charter captains should also attend.

Reduced cost: this year’s registration is only $25, which includes a catered lunch! Registration and payment is required by Feb. 25 to attend. (Registration tip: Once you click “CHECKOUT,” you will see a sign in page with options. Choose “CHECKOUT AS GUEST” to continue.)

The detailed agenda is available for download on the left sidebar. Presentations include:

• Welcoming Remarks & ODNR Lake Erie Perspectives by ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Status of Lake Erie Fisheries by Eric Weimer, Supervisor, Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit, ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Maritime Licensing Requirements by Chuck Kakuska, President, Sea K’s Maritime Licensing Service
• Lake Erie Law Enforcement: Wildlife by Matthew Leibengood, Supervisor, Lake Erie Law Enforcement Unit, ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Lake Erie Law Enforcement: Parks & Watercraft by Walt Hodgkiss, Natural Resource Captain, ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft
• U.S. Coast Guard News and 2026 Requirements by MSU Toledo and Coast Guard Auxiliary
• The Next Wave of Charter Insurance by Eric Fisher, Agency President, On The Water Marine Insurance
• Central Basin Walleye Spawning by Andrew Gable, Fisheries Biologist, Fairport Harbor Fisheries Research Unit, ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Ohio Commercial Yellow Perch Fishing: What You Need To Know by Travis Harman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

Please contact Tory Gabriel for more information.